By Chimdiogo Amuh 

The Senate has set up a seven-member committee to collate, harmonise and synthesise lawmakers’ views on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026, with a directive to submit a consolidated report to the chamber by next Tuesday.

The resolution followed more than two hours of deliberation on the bill’s provisions during a closed-door session.

The committee is chaired by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Niyi Adegbomore. Other members are Senators Adamu Aliero, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Danjuma Goje, Tony Nwoye and Titus Zam.

The panel has been given three days to complete its assignment ahead of the next plenary session.

Earlier on Thursday, the Senate commenced consideration of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, after resolving into a closed session to review documents presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong.

The executive session was convened to enable lawmakers to carefully examine the proposed amendments and accompanying documents before proceeding with further legislative debate.

The development followed the Senate’s decision on Wednesday to defer consideration of the bill to allow members adequate time for detailed review.

Although the House of Representatives has already passed the bill, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the need for thorough scrutiny, noting the far-reaching implications of the legislation for Nigeria’s electoral process.

“This is a very important bill, especially as it is election time. We must take our time to ensure justice is done to all, so that we do not end up at the tribunal,” Akpabio said.

According to preliminary assessments arising from the committee’s review, a clause-by-clause analysis of the bill suggests that its passage would strengthen electoral integrity, enhance transparency and boost public confidence in the nation’s democratic process